Tired of staring at boring windows that make your room feel cold and lifeless? You’re not alone. Most homeowners struggle with finding the right way to hang curtains that actually look good.

But what if I told you there are dozens of creative ways to convert your windows from drab to fab? These pictures of different ways to hang curtains will show you exactly how to style your windows like a pro. From simple fixes to bold statement looks, you’ll find ideas that fit any budget and skill level.

Ready to give your windows the makeover they deserve? Let’s get started.

The Importance of Creative Curtain Hanging

Windows are like blank canvases in your home. They hold so much potential, yet many people stick to the same old boring approach. I see it all the time – curtains hung straight across on basic rods, doing nothing special for the room.

But here’s what most people don’t realize. There are many different ways to hang curtains that can completely change how a space feels. It can make low ceilings look taller. Small rooms can appear wider. Dark spaces can feel brighter and more open.

Creative curtain hanging isn’t just about following trends. It’s about solving real problems in your home. Maybe you want more privacy without blocking natural light. Or perhaps you need to hide an awkward window shape.

Trust me, once you see the difference it makes, you’ll never go back to basic hanging methods.

Things to Consider Before Starting

Before you start hanging curtains in creative ways, take a step back. A little planning now will save you from headaches later. I’ve learned this the hard way after making some costly mistakes.

• Measure your window width and height accurately before buying anything
• Check what type of wall you’re working with – drywall, brick, or plaster
• Think about how much natural light you want to keep or block
• Consider the room’s purpose – bedroom needs more privacy than living room
• Check if you’re renting and need landlord approval for wall holes
• Factor in curtain length – floor-length vs. windowsill style
• Choose curtain weight – heavy fabrics need stronger support systems

Pictures of Different Ways to Hang Curtains

Ready to convert your windows? Here are pictures of different ways to hang curtains that will make your friends wonder where you got such great ideas.

I’ve tried most of these myself, and trust me, they work wonders.

1. Curtain Panel Bed Canopy

Convert your bedroom into a cozy hideaway with a curtain panel bed canopy. Sheer fabrics create a soft, dreamy atmosphere around your bed that feels like a luxury hotel.

• How to do it: Mount rod brackets on the wall or use ceiling-mount brackets with corner connectors to form a frame around your bed. Use sheer fabric and tie knots for added texture.
• Why it’s great: Makes your bed the room’s focal point, adding intimacy and charm to your sleeping space.
• Tip: Choose lightweight fabrics like chiffon to keep the canopy airy and prevent small spaces from feeling cramped.

2. No-Sew Canvas Drop Cloth Curtains for Closets

Hide cluttered closets with stylish, no-sew canvas drop cloth curtains. They bring a farmhouse touch without spending a fortune.

• How to do it: Install a rod above your closet with no-drill brackets, wash and iron canvas drop cloths, then clip them to the rod with curtain rings.
• Why it’s great: Budget-friendly and renter-friendly option that adds warmth and texture to any space.
• Tip: Pick drop cloths with a slight sheen for a polished look and iron them well for crispness.

3. Curtain Headboard

Create a soft, dramatic headboard using curtains instead of buying traditional furniture. It’s a simple way to add coziness to your bedroom.

• How to do it: Mount a rod behind your bed, making sure it’s secure, and hang panels at least twice the width of your bed for fullness.
• Why it’s great: Renter-friendly and easy to change, perfect for creating a cozy, inviting bed area.
• Tip: Use velvet or linen curtains for a luxurious, upscale feel.

4. Crossover Curtains

Add depth and movement with overlapping curtain panels. This works great for larger windows or French doors. The layered look feels lively and polished.

• How to do it: Hang two panels that overlap in the middle, using curtain rings for easy sliding, and secure with tiebacks.
• Why it’s great: Offers a romantic, stylish look while allowing flexible light control throughout the day.
• Tip: Use contrasting colors or patterns to make the crossover effect really pop.

5. Outdoor Patio Curtains

Convert your outdoor space with curtains to create shade and add style. Water-resistant fabrics work best for patios and pergolas.

• How to do it: Choose outdoor-rated curtains that resist water, mildew, and fading. Hang from a pergola or use tension rods between posts.
• Why it’s great: Provides shade and privacy while making your outdoor area more inviting and comfortable.
• Tip: Choose neutral colors and add fairy lights behind curtains for a cozy evening feel.

6. Boho Scarf Curtains

Embrace a free-spirited vibe with colorful scarf curtains made from tied fabric scraps. They add a playful, eclectic touch to any room.

• How to do it: Tie scarves or fabric scraps together to form long panels and attach them to a rod with rings.
• Why it’s great: Perfect for mixing patterns and colors, bringing life and vibrancy to windows or doors.
• Tip: Include scarves with tassels or fringe for extra bohemian texture and visual interest.

7. Tree Branch Curtain Rods

Bring nature indoors by using tree branches as curtain rods. This rustic look works perfectly for cabins or nature-inspired spaces.

• How to do it: Find straight, thick branches, sand them smooth, and fit them into standard rod brackets.
• Why it’s great: Adds an organic, earthy feel that’s unique and won’t break your budget.
• Tip: Look for branches with interesting shapes or bark textures for extra visual appeal.

8. Rowing Curtain Rods

Add a nautical touch with rowing oars as curtain rods. This works great for coastal or beach-themed rooms and makes a bold statement.

• How to do it: Use new or used oars, attach them to brackets or hang from the ceiling, and use large rings for a maritime vibe.
• Why it’s great: Brings a coastal feel, making your space feel like a seaside retreat.
• Tip: Pair with striped or blue-and-white curtains for a classic nautical look that really works.

9. DIY Reclaimed Wood Curtain Rod

Craft a rustic curtain rod from reclaimed wood for a warm, upcycled look. It’s a simple DIY project that adds character to any room.

• How to do it: Cut a 1×4-inch plank to size, sand it smooth, attach hooks or brackets, and hang tab-top curtains.
• Why it’s great: Adds warmth and personality, perfect for vintage or rustic decor styles.
• Tip: Use wood with visible knots or grain patterns for an authentic, lived-in feel.

10. Industrial Iron Pipe Rod

Get a sleek, modern look with an iron pipe curtain rod. It’s a sturdy choice for urban or loft-style spaces.

• How to do it: Use iron pipes from a hardware store or buy a pre-made rod, then hang curtains with clips or rings.
• Why it’s great: Clean, contemporary style that works well with minimalist decor.
• Tip: Pair with simple curtains to keep the focus on the rod’s industrial look.

11. Vintage Yardstick Curtain Rods

Add a quirky, retro vibe with vintage yardsticks as curtain rods. They’re perfect for offices or homeschool rooms.

• How to do it: Attach eye screws to the base of old yardsticks and hang them with small brackets.
• Why it’s great: Turns a practical tool into a decorative element while adding nostalgia to your space.
• Tip: Look for yardsticks with visible number markings for a true vintage feel.

12. Tension Rods

Perfect for small spaces or bathrooms, tension rods offer a no-drill solution. They’re easy to install and adjust as needed.

• How to do it: Choose a rod that fits your window frame, thread the curtain onto it, and adjust until it fits snugly.
• Why it’s great: Budget-friendly and renter-friendly, ideal for temporary setups or quick fixes.
• Tip: Use only for lightweight curtains, as tension rods may not support heavy fabrics well.

13. Magnetic Curtain Rods

Attach curtains to metal window frames with magnetic rods. It’s perfect for temporary decor and takes just seconds to install.

• How to do it: Attach the magnetic rod to a metal window frame and hang lightweight curtains directly on it.
• Why it’s great: No-drill solution that’s perfect for renters or short-term living spaces.
• Tip: Check that your window frame is actually magnetic before purchasing this type of rod.

14. Adhesive Hooks

Strong adhesive hooks hold lightweight curtains without drilling holes. This makes them ideal for renters who can’t make permanent changes.

• How to do it: Stick hooks above the window frame, making sure they’re level, then hang a rod or wire with curtains.
• Why it’s great: Leaves no holes behind, offering a flexible, renter-friendly solution that removes cleanly.
• Tip: Use high-quality hooks that are rated for the actual weight of your curtains and rod.

15. Over-the-Door Hooks

Hang curtains on doors for added privacy using over-the-door hooks. It’s a simple, no-drill option for small spaces.

• How to do it: Place hooks over the top of the door and hang a lightweight rod or wire with curtains.
• Why it’s great: Completely temporary and renter-friendly, perfect for adding privacy to doors or room dividers.
• Tip: Use sheer curtains to maintain natural light while still adding the privacy you need.

16. PVC Pipe Curtain Rods

Use affordable PVC pipes for a customizable, budget-friendly curtain rod. You can paint them to match any decor style.

• How to do it: Cut PVC pipes to the desired length, paint them in your chosen color, and mount with standard brackets. Hang curtains with clips.
• Why it’s great: Super inexpensive and easy to customize for any style or space you’re working with.
• Tip: Spray paint the pipes with metallic paint for a polished, high-end look that costs very little.

17. String or Rope Curtains

Create a bohemian vibe by hanging curtains with string or rope instead of traditional rods. It’s a casual, textured look for relaxed spaces.

• How to do it: Tie string or rope across the window frame and thread curtains onto it. Secure with knots or clips at each end.
• Why it’s great: Simple and laid-back approach that adds a unique, textured look to your windows.
• Tip: Use thick rope for a nautical or rustic feel that really makes a statement.

18. Barn Door Hardware

Adapt barn door slides for curtains to create a rustic industrial look. It’s a sturdy, modern option that slides smoothly.

• How to do it: Install barn door tracks above the window and hang curtains with special rollers or clips designed for this system.
• Why it’s great: Adds a unique, modern-rustic look with smooth functionality that works great for large windows.
• Tip: Pair with heavy fabrics like burlap for a cohesive look that matches the hardware style.

19. Curtain Tracks

Sleek curtain tracks offer a modern, minimalist way to hang curtains. They work great for floor-to-ceiling window treatments.

• How to do it: Install tracks on the ceiling or wall and slide curtains directly onto them. Perfect for floor-to-ceiling curtains.
• Why it’s great: Allows smooth movement and creates a clean, contemporary look in any room.
• Tip: Use tracks for corner or bay windows to get smooth coverage without gaps.

20. Cabinet Pulls

Use multiple cabinet pulls to hang curtains for a modern or vintage look. It’s a creative way to repurpose existing hardware.

• How to do it: Attach pulls to the wall above the window in a straight line and hang a thin rod or wire with curtains.
• Why it’s great: Adds character by repurposing hardware in a unique way that saves money.
• Tip: Choose pulls that match your room’s existing hardware for a coordinated, cohesive look.

21. Picture Ledges for Casual Drape

Lay curtains on narrow shelves or picture ledges for a relaxed, artistic effect. It’s a no-fuss, renter-friendly option.

• How to do it: Install a narrow ledge above the window and simply drape lightweight curtains over it, letting them fall naturally.
• Why it’s great: Casual and easy approach that’s perfect for a laid-back, creative vibe in any room.
• Tip: Use sheer or patterned fabrics for a soft, layered look that feels effortless and natural.

Tips for Hanging Curtains Like a Pro

The key is getting the basics right from the start.

Most people hang their curtains too low and too narrow. This makes windows look smaller and rooms feel cramped. But when you follow a few simple rules, your windows will look bigger and your whole room will feel more spacious.

It doesn’t matter if you’re inspired by pictures of different ways to hang curtains or starting from scratch, these fundamentals apply to every method.

Here are the pro secrets that really work:

• Hang your curtain rod 4-6 inches above the window frame, not right at the top
• Extend the rod 6-8 inches beyond each side of the window for a wider look
• Choose curtains that are 1.5 to 2 times wider than your window for proper fullness
• Let floor-length curtains just barely touch the ground or puddle slightly
• Use the same curtain style throughout connected rooms for a cohesive flow
• Iron or steam your curtains before hanging to remove wrinkles and creases

Hanging It Up

Your windows don’t have to stay boring anymore. These pictures of different ways to hang curtains prove that creative solutions exist for every budget and skill level.

From simple tension rods to dramatic bed canopies, you now have various proven methods to choose from.

Here’s the truth: small changes create big impacts. Most of these ideas require basic tools and can be completed in an afternoon. Your guests will notice the difference immediately. Start with one window and see how it changes the entire feel of your room.

Which hanging method caught your eye? Try it this weekend and share your results in the comments below.